Shirt Button Holes.

[browntrout]

The button holes on my shirts (man's) are cut vertically, i.e. like this..... I

except for the top and bottom ones which are cut horizontally, like this... --

Does anyone know what the reason for this is, please?

[ChillDoubt]

I believe it is in order to stop the shirt from becoming unbuttoned at the bottom when sitting down.

[boxtops]

and the top one is to keep your collar from bagging at the neck

[mikey4444]

It was always a sign of a genuine Lacoste shirt that the top and bottom button holes were stitched differently.

[weecalf]

Use to be collar studs maybe for them

[Lore]

Horizontal button holes give room for movement - the button will slide along the button hole under stress. Not a good look after a good meal.

[stewey]

It wouldn't look so bad, Lore, if the person was wearing a string vest underneath the shirt.

[Lore]

Cute!! ;p

[browntrout]

Thanks very much for all your views. I looked it up on "ask-valet" where it says " a horizontal hole allows button to take more stress without stretching the shirt or the hole itself." You sort of wonder why they don't do all the holes that way then. I imagine it wouldn't cost any more. Apparently the thread for these top and bottom holes used to be a different colour, but they don't bother with that anymore.

[atalanta]

The collar buttonhole permits a precise fit at the neck. The fabric there is stiffened so it does not give. If the others were put under stress ( bellies, overeating, etc ) horizontal buttonholes would gape or even tear.